New horse act welcomed

The Control of Horses Act, which comes into force next month, will bring in changes that will help deter people from illegally grazing horses, known as “fly-grazing”, or simply abandoning horses on public and private land.

The changes, which become law on May 26, mean horse owners who “fly-graze” their animals without permission can now be dealt with more quickly and effectively, within four working days, instead of 14 days, as the 1971 law currently requires.

Under the previous Animals Act 1971, an abandoned horse could only be disposed of through sale at market or public auction.  

The new law extends the options for dealing with abandoned horses, which now include private sale, gifting and re-homing.

Animal welfare groups estimate that there are over 3,000 horses illegally fly-grazing in this country.

The council said few horses were abandoned in Rotherham but officers welcomed the new act because it improved horse welfare standards generally.